Note: I first posted this on my old blog back in October 2014. I’m in the process of phasing that blog out. This is the last of my favorite posts from that blog. I once worked in a group home with 6 young women. This subject came up a lot so when I heard a podcast on the same subject, I had to write something.
One of the podcasts I subscribe to is the Slate’s Daily Podcast. It’s a collection of podcasts from Slate Magazine. Some of my favorites from the collection are The Political Gabfest, The Culture Gabfest, The DoubleX Gabfest, Slate Money,Lexicon Valley and The Gist.
I listened to the September 18, 2014 episode of The DoubleX Gabfest. One of the topics was a discussion on an article in BuzzFeed. The article was “28 Ways to Spot a Real Man.” This got me thinking … What are the standards for a ‘real man’? I did a simple Google search for “real man” and found a bunch of articles on the subject:
- Traits of A Real Man (AskMen.com)
- The 20 Defining Traits Of The Real Modern Man (Elite Daily)
- 10 Ways to Know You’re Dating a Real Man (Huffington Post)
- 4 Qualities That Make A Real Man (MindBodyGreen.com)
- 20 Characteristics of a Real Man (Chadhowsefitness.com)
My favorites straits from all the articles include:
- “He knows how to show his son that it’s OK to be different.” (28 Ways to Spot a Real Man)
- “A guy who knows his way around the kitchen. (28 Ways to Spot a Real Man) – I would add … “or can afford a really good restaurant.”
- “A real man knows that doing good is its own reward.” (28 Ways to Spot a Real Man)
- “And isn’t afraid to admit when he is wrong.” (28 Ways to Spot a Real Man)
- “A real man knows how to be a good winner…but an even better runner-up.” (28 Ways to Spot a Real Man)
- “A real man knows how important it is to make a girl feel like a princess.” (28 Ways to Spot a Real Man)
- “A real man is a good father…” (28 Ways to Spot a Real Man) – This goes with the saying, “Anyone Can Be A Father But It Takes A Real Man To Be A Dad.”
- “A real man looks out for others…” (28 Ways to Spot a Real Man)
- “…and always keeps his word.” (28 Ways to Spot a Real Man) – Another way to put it … “A Real Man’s Word Is His Bond” (Traits of A Real Man)
- “A Real Man Can Defend Himself” (Traits of A Real Man) – Another way to put it … “A man doesn’t need to be able to fight or to protect himself and his family physically. But it helps. He does however need to be willing to do whatever it takes to keep his family safe and happy.” (20 Characteristics of a Real Man)
- “A Real Man Keeps His House In Order” (Traits of A Real Man)
- “A Real Man Takes Care Of His Appearance” (Traits of A Real Man)
- “A Real Man Doesn’t Gossip” (Traits of A Real Man) – Another way to put it … “When a man points a finger at someone else, he should remember that four of his fingers are pointing at himself.” ~ Louis Nizer (20 Characteristics of a Real Man)
- “Real men are passionate about something — and it’s not just weed or their new Nikes.” (The 20 Defining Traits Of The Real Modern Man) –Another way to put it … “Men have a cause.” (4 Qualities That Make A Real Man)
- “Real men don’t need to make fun of other guys to boost their own self-confidence, but they can definitely make fun of themselves.” (The 20 Defining Traits Of The Real Modern Man)
- “Real men have goals; they might seem lofty or completely absurd, but they’re working toward something, and that’s what matters.” (The 20 Defining Traits Of The Real Modern Man)
- Men take action. (The 20 Defining Traits Of The Real Modern Man)
- A man treats women with respect. If you don’t respect women, you’re not a man. Period. (20 Characteristics of a Real Man)
- A man can laugh at himself. (20 Characteristics of a Real Man)
- A man has fears, but he isn’t ruled by them. (20 Characteristics of a Real Man)
- A man learns from his mistakes. Although he might take a few cracks at it. (20 Characteristics of a Real Man)
Well, that’s my list from the articles above. What would you add or remove?
Thank you for reading my blog!
Brent Jackson
Maryland Travel Stories 
One thought on “All the Talk on the Traits of a Real Man”